In La Alameda Park, in the center of Ecuador's capital, they laid a wreath at the monument to the Venezuelan, hero of independence and architect of regional integration.
Venezuela's consul general in that South American country, Pedro Sassone, described Bolívar as a dreamy fighter, military strategist and someone who continues to unite and give meaning to the fight for a second independence.
On December 17, 1830, the liberator died in Santa Marta, Colombia, in the agony of feeling betrayed, sick and with the feeling of absence from the Grand Marshal of Ayacucho, Antonio José de Sucre, the diplomat recalled.
He explained that with Bolívar's physical disappearance, the dream of Greater Colombia also disappeared.
“From 1830, we ceased to be part of a powerful territory that included Venezuela, New Granada and Quito and had immense economic wealth and a variety of resources, and we became small republics that served the special interests of oligarchies and regional leaders prevailed,” commented Sassone.
He also pointed to this fact as the origin of the current territorial controversy between Venezuela and Guyana over Guayana Esequiba, a disputed territory that Caracas claims under international agreements.
Friday's event was attended by diplomats from Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, as well as friends in solidarity with the freedom and independence of the peoples.
The commemoration helped ensure that children born in Ecuador received Venezuelan citizenship, as well as their families, many of whom emigrated to these countries due to the sanctions against their country.
Ode/avr